China dismisses defense minister in second change in country’s leadership in three months

China dismissed its defense minister on Tuesday (24), in the second change of a senior leader in the country in three months, raising questions about the stability of leadership around President Xi Jinping.

General Li Shangfu, who had not been seen publicly for two months, was fired as defense minister and state councilor, according to state media.

China also announced that Qin Gang, who was removed as foreign minister in July, has also been removed from his position as adviser.

Chinese lawmakers from the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress approved the removal of the two officials, state broadcaster CCTV reported, without giving any explanation.

No replacement for Li has been named, leaving the country without a defense minister as it prepares to host foreign defense officials at Beijing’s Xiangshan Forum from Oct. 29-31.

Li, 65, was last seen in public on August 29. Reuters reported last month that he was being investigated on suspicion of corruption related to the acquisition and development of equipment.

He has only been in office since March, when Xi began his third term as head of state. Li, who is under US sanctions over Beijing’s purchase of Russian aircraft and combat equipment, was China’s shortest serving defense minister.

Qin also served less than a year before disappearing and being replaced by his predecessor, Wang Yi. No formal explanation was given, but the Wall Street Journal cited sources who said Qin had an extramarital affair while he was ambassador to the United States.

The disappearances of Li and Qin have raised questions from diplomats about the abrupt changes in China’s leadership at a time when the country’s economic growth is slow and its relations with the United States have worsened on a range of issues.